‘England must learn how to be ruthless’

p64 edition 28.05
PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO - MARCH 26: Dejan Damjanovic (C) of Montenegro turns away after scoring the equalising goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier Group H match between Montenegro and England at City Stadium on March 26, 2013 in Podgorica, Montenegro. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

After another long, hard season, one would understand if England’s weary players would prefer to be resting right now rather than playing what appear to be meaningless friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil this week.

The toils of the campaign have already taken their toll on some of the squad. Kyle Walker, Tom Cleverley and Andy Carroll have dropped out with fresh injuries, while Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere were already sidelined when Roy Hodgson named his squad.

However, the England coach is keen to treat these matches as preparation for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in the autumn and it is very much a mantra that Michael Carrick believes in, too.

The midfielder is still aggrieved over his last England appearance when the team conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 away to Montenegro in March.

It means they still trail Monetengro by two points in Group H, with the return match at Wembley in October, on top of other key games against Moldova, Ukraine and Poland, to come.

So just like Hodgson, Carrick is keen to end the international season on a high with two strong showings against Ireland and Brazil to ensure the team can look forward with confidence.

He said: “There were a lot of negatives after the [Montenegro] game but I think we played so well in the first half and we can take a lot from that. It’s just that next step — killing games off. We’ve got a bit to learn.

“Were there any positives to be taken from the fact we didn’t lose? No, I still think we should have won. As players we’re all experienced enough not to let stuff like that atmosphere affect us, really. We’re disappointed.

“We wanted to win the game — but we didn’t play well enough in the second half. However, we learn from that, we move on and, hopefully, we can put in good performances in these two games and be ready to kick on next season.

“They’re [including a friendly against Scotland in August] stand-out games. They’re not like normal friendlies, there’s definitely something added and we’re all looking forward to them.”

Both games are certainly noteworthy. The meeting with Ireland tomorrow night is the first between the sides since a friendly in Dublin had to be postponed in 1995 due to crowd trouble in the opening half.

But it is the clash in Brazil, where England will get to play in the revamped, famous Maracana Stadium in Rio on Sunday, which whets Carrick’s appetite, particularly coming just 12 months before the World Cup is held in Brazil.

He added in the official Ireland programme: “Obviously the Ireland game at Wembley is a big game and the Brazil game, I mean, how often do you get to play Brazil? I’ve never been before and the chance to play at the Maracana is unbelievable. I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s [the World Cup in Brazil next year] the place to be. It’s what we’re all striving towards.

“Every time we meet up, every minute we spend together, that’s the end game. That’s the focus. We’ve got some crucial games coming up and we can’t underestimate how vital the next two [qualifying] games are.

“It is in our hands and we’ve got three home games to come, so we’re still confident. So it’s not all doom and gloom, we’ve had plenty of positives along the way. It’s just putting performances together throughout the full game and if we have the best players available, we’re a force against anyone.”

Hodgson will hope that theory proves true this week but even more so when England’s chances of earning a return ticket to Brazil are being decided in September and October.